Gainesville

Gainesville offers a combination of college-town vitality and protected natural beauty, making it a place “where nature and culture meet.”  

Gainesville, a designated trail town, offers 30+ miles of biking and hiking trails with opportunities to spot wildlife like birds, bison, wild horses or alligators in seven area Florida state parks. Canoe or paddleboard scenic rivers, or take a dive into a clear freshwater spring. Floating down the spring-fed river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a can’t miss warm-weather tradition.

With a growing network of multiuse trails and a revitalized Depot Park, downtown Gainesville is a popular destination for all trail users.

Spend your afternoon antiquing in Gainesville's surrounding small towns, and then grab a bite downtown at some of the best local farm-to-fork dining around. Wash it all down with a beverage from one of our four local breweries, and catch some theater or local music before calling it a day.

A rich melting pot, Gainesville is full of vibrant, college town fun, inexpensive and often free attractions for the family and peaceful, relaxed outdoor experiences for those seeking a slower pace. 

Whatever your passion, the nature and culture of Gainesville and Alachua County await.